# What is SNMP?

SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) lets administrators monitor and sometimes configure network devices such as switches, printers and routers: their status, traffic counters and settings. It is very common and very old. Older versions protect access only with a shared word, called a community string, often left as the default public or private, which lets anyone on the network read, or even change, device settings. Use SNMP version 3 with proper credentials where possible, change defaults and restrict which hosts may query devices. SNMP traffic from an unexpected host can be a sign of someone mapping the network.

FAQ: [What is…? Network and security terms](https://netsenx.com/en/faq/glossary) · https://netsenx.com/en/faq/what-is-snmp

## Read next

- https://netsenx.com/en/what-is-ndr
- https://netsenx.com/en/problems-we-solve

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